We’ve all done some headbanging to 1980s mega-hits like “Here I Go Again,” “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “We Built This City,” but have you ever rocked out like that to a musical?
“Rock of Ages” will provide that exact opportunity when it comes to the Vilar Performing Arts Center on Thursday night.
The show, featuring music from ’80s rock bands like Bon Jovi, REO Speedwagon and more, follows Drew and Sherrie as they chase their rock ‘n’ roll dreams on the Sunset Strip as developers move in to gentrify the area.
The show debuted on Broadway 10 years ago, and this tour serves as a 10th-anniversary celebration of that milestone.
Andrew Tebo, a cast member, sings praises of the show.
“It’s an incredible experience,” Tebo said. “We started in September with an amazing creative team … it’s honestly one of the best productions I’ve been in.”
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Tebo will play Hertz, a German redeveloper keen on buying out Sunset Strip to cleanse it of rock. His character wasn’t in the 2012 film version of the show, so audiences may be a bit unfamiliar with the character.
“It’s (Hertz) and his son, Franz, played by Chris Reynolds,” said Tebo in reference to his character’s story. “It’s about their journey as Franz grows up. He’s a bit out of control and I’m a strict, uptight father. Eventually, (Franz) kind of stands up for himself and changes the way I think.”
Tebo is no stranger to performing, having recently toured for three years on a production of “Mamma Mia!”— which Tebo noted has its “butt kicked” by “Rock of Ages.”
Additionally, Tebo has performed at the Vilar Center in the past when touring as a cast member of “A Christmas Carol.”
“I always feel like it’s my home away from home when I’m performing there in Beaver Creek,” Tebo said.
This particular production tours across the country and even into Canada until mid-June, bringing with it several semi trucks and buses full of cast members, instruments, and over 100 moving lights.
“We go all out,” Tebo said. “We give 110 percent every night.”
Not your average musical
The production is also unique because a majority of the music is performed on stage by rock musicians, rather than by an orchestra in a pit. Guitarists, bassists, drummers and more will be on stage, playing live.
“We treat it like an actual rock concert,” Tebo said. “It’s the most meticulously-planned show I’ve ever been a part of.”
Additionally unique, the cast is constantly singing backup vocals, whether on stage or off, in order to replicate the harmonies that ’80s rock music is so well known for.
You can expect to hear jams like “Every Rose Has Its Thorns,” “Too Much Time on My Hands” and more throughout the night, and according to Tebo, you can expect to enjoy it.
“It’s a killer night of theater,” Tebo said. “You’ll laugh, you’ll tap your feet, you’ll sing and dance with us by the end of the show.”
The Broadway production of the show featured well-known performers like Constantine Maroulis, Frankie J. Grande and Becca Tobin; the film starred Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Mary J. Blige.
Although the venue is smaller than a stage in New York, Tebo encourages audiences to not fret.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun in there,” he said.
The Thursday show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets starting at $88 are available for purchase at http://www.vilarpac.org.
Arts & Entertainment Editor Nate Day can be reached at nday@vaildaily.com or 970-748-2932.
IF YOU GO …
What: “Rock of Ages.”
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek.
Cost: Tickets start at $88.
More information: http://www.vilarpac.org.
